A team of researchers led by the Tamil scholar and historical researcher Manimaran went to Nandavanapatti near Bhuthalur in Thanjavur where the idols were unearthed while ploughing the land owned by one Kamaraj. After the study, Manimaran said, the Linga Thirumeni was protruding two feet above the land and the Dwaraka Balakar idols were unearthed within 15 feet from the Lingam. The idols belonged to 10th century and several idols would be unearthed on the spot if intensive research had been made, he said. He said that the Dwaraka Balakar idol is usually kept in front of the Sanctum sanctorum in temples.